New forum aims to boost employment prospects and skills of local people

A new forum has been set up by Basildon Council to improve the employment prospects, education and skills of local people.

Donna Kennedy, HR and training advisor at DSA Electrical, is the first chairman of the new Contractors’ Employment Forum.

It will bring together representatives from firms responsible for council contracts, along with council staff and training specialists.

They will work together to promote growth and employment for local people within the district

Donna said: “As someone who is really passionate about creating opportunities for young people to get into work, I am delighted to take up the chairmanship. I think this forum has the potential to make a real difference.

“The employability prospects and aspirations of young local people in the Basildon borough could be greatly improved, thanks to the collaboration process that the forum will bring about.

She said many council contractors were “anxious to bring in fresh new blood.”

However, young people need to arrive with appropriate skills. Coordination between contractors and the training experts at Prospects College should help to bring together those with jobs to offer, and those young people who are seeking work,” she said. Donna comes to the role with a track record in the field. She is a volunteer for the Steps Ahead mentoring scheme.

She said: “We assist young people in employability skills such as CV writing and interviewing skills.”

Another member of the forum is Mandie Skeat, head of housing and community services for Basildon Council.

She said: “We have high hopes for this alliance, which brings together the council’s key contractors, in partnership with Prospects College.We anticipate it will prove to be a very successful alliance.

“Our contractors are very committed to the training and development of all their employees, and their enthusiasm is just what this project needs to succeed. “

The Forum already has one apprenticeship project under way. It is supporting Mitie, Basildon Council’s repair and maintenance contractor, in its plans to take young people on to its payroll.

The firm has pledge to employ an additional six apprentices by September 2014.

Ian Webb, partnership manager for Mitie’s Basildon operations, said: “Having the collective support from all members of the forum has been a big help in securing more apprentices, which is good for the young people and good for the company.”